1. “I’m So Great – Just Ask Me!”
Research has found that people with strong narcissistic traits often think they’re more important than they really are. To prove this, they might brag, show off, or talk about things they’ve done in an exaggerated way. They may even mention famous people they know just to seem more impressive. Narcissists often go on about how smart, good-looking, successful, or powerful they are. They want others to admire them and see them as better than everyone else.
But behind all this, their self-esteem is often very fragile. Without attention and praise, they can feel empty, unimportant, or unloved. Their constant need to be admired hides the truth: they have a hard time forming real, equal relationships with others.
“What my mother shows in public and who she really is are two completely different people.”
— Anonymous
2. “I’m Better Than You / I’m Better Than Them!”
“It’s not easy being superior to everyone I know.”
— Anonymous narcissist
One common trait linked to narcissism is a sense of superiority. According to the Mayo Clinic, narcissists often believe they’re better than others and expect people to recognize them as superior. In everyday life, they like to remind others—both subtly and openly—that they are “above” them. This shows up through constant judging, sarcasm, smug comments, stereotyping, and a condescending attitude.
To some narcissists, they see themselves as gods or goddesses. In their world, everything should revolve around them. They expect special treatment, and they often ignore or dismiss other people’s thoughts and feelings.
But this attitude is usually a cover. As psychologist Stephen Johnson noted, the narcissist’s inflated self-image is just a mask to hide deep feelings of insecurity and unworthiness. They often feel so low inside that the only way they can feel better is by bringing others down.
“Some people try to be tall by cutting off the heads of others.”
— Paramhansa Yogananda
Suggested Book: Prepare to Be Tortured: The Price You Will Pay for Dating a Narcissist.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
